Conflict management as a task of the school principal in the DET with special reference to the Vaal Triangle

Abstract:

The research deals with conflict management as a task of the school principal. A literature study discusses conflict and conflict management from a theoretical viewpoint. Under the nature of conflict, attention is focused on the following matters: explanation of what "conflict" is, types and sources of conflict, functional and dysfunctional conflict, changing views on conflict and severity and consequences of conflict. The empirical research was conducted by questionnaire and interview. The target population consisted of 40 school principals in the Vaal Triangle area. Conclusions concerning conflict and conflict management are drawn, and recommendations to correct weaknesses identified in the conflict management practices of the school principals are made.